Schmidt 'unlikely' to become Ireland coach due to Leinster commitments

Joe Schmidt has stated that he is ‘unlikely’ to become the new Ireland head coach due to his current Leinster commitments.

The Leinster boss is considered to be one of the favourites to take over the vacant Ireland position after Declan Kidney’s reign came to an end during the week.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport after Leinster’s Amlin Cup quarter-final victory over Wasps on Friday night, Schmidt was asked what would happen if the IRFU came knocking on his door, whether or not he would be interested in talking to them.

Schmidt said: “It’s entirely dependent on Leinster because that’s where my commitment lies. I have to say that I have never not completed a contract that I’ve committed to.

“If that’s determined something they are interested in doing, then that’s not quite in my hands but I’d be interested to see what Leinster had to say.

“I guess, in the end, I wouldn’t like to speculate about anything. I would have to say that it’s unlikely just because my commitment is to Leinster at this stage.”